LAN receives its first Airbus A318
LAN Airlines, one of the leading carriers in South America, has held a reception ceremony for the first Airbus A318 aircraft [pictured right] to be incorporated into the Company’s fleet.
This aircraft seats 126 passengers in an all-Economy Class cabin, featuring the most advanced technology and operating the Company’s Chilean domestic routes.
Between 2007 and 2008, LAN expects to receive 20 new Airbus A318 aircraft and together with other Airbus A319 and A320 jets, will replace the Company’s Boeing 737-200 fleet, providing the highest standards in terms of comfort and service.
Additionally, the Airbus A318 aircraft are quieter, providing reduced cabin noise and vibrations and they are also equipped with leather seats and state-of-the-art on-board entertainment.
In line with LAN’s concern with protecting the environment, these aircraft comply with environmental protection norms, such as EMS (Environmental Management System), based on ISO 14001, and possess maximum fuel efficiency.
LAN’s General Manager Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Mr Rodrigo Contreras, said: “We are very proud to incorporate this airplane into LAN’s fleet and we believe that it will allow us to provide the best product with the highest standards in terms of safety and service for our passengers flying within Chile, who include a growing number of tourists and business travellers from Australia and New Zealand.”
Mr Contreras said that between now and 2011, LAN expected to invest approximately US$ 2.6 billion in the renewal and growth of its international and domestic aircraft fleet, incorporating 52 new passenger and cargo aircraft to reach 115 aircraft by 2011.
LAN Airlines currently operates six weekly Airbus A340-300 flights on the Sydney-Auckland-Santiago route, and will increase to daily operations from 20 December with the addition of a Thursday service.
From Santiago, the airline offers an extensive network of flights throughout South America and on to the USA and Europe.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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